XYXX
The Biology of Love
Paintings by Robin Coupland
With this collection of paintings, I tackle an unusual and sometimes controversial subject: how the evolved human biology influences all aspects of relations between males and females. Males, men, masculinity or "Y chromosome behaviour" are portrayed by blue blocks; blocks in reds or pinks portray females, women and femininity. Together, the two blocks always represent the two halves of humanity and their co-existence. In some works, the concept is self-evident; in others, the visual representation of some aspect of love's biology is challenging or even uncomfortable. All provoke questions about how we understand the interaction of humans on an increasingly overpopulated planet. I challenge the cultural denial of our biology. Wide margins and a square format highlight the visual theme and promote self-interrogation by making the whole less pictorial.
I use a variety of techniques to portray these complex themes. Most employ oil on acrylic over canvas. Multiple colour layers sanded down and recovered typify the margins. The theme itself may be painted on sculpted acrylic or created by spontaneous gesture. In some works, I incorporate additional materials in the acrylic base.
Robin Coupland
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